The Flight of a Lifetime

It started out as another day near the village of Cornish, the frost sparkled like diamonds across the vast fields. Most of the crops had been brought in and laid away for the cold winter months. The winters were harsh, and the land was barren of activity during the coldest of the months, much was to be done before the winter moon. Wood had to be cut and split and stored for drying, food needed to be set for winter storage and usage, and of course meat had to be obtained and cured. There had to be enough provisions to last through the long, harsh winter. Without preparation, the chance of survival in this land was not likely. The people of Cornish were resourceful and knew how to survive.

Preparations had begun as soon as the spring moon rose over the village, and the snow was dissipating across the valley floor. Fields had to be planted and tended, and animals needed to be fattened for butchering in the fall before the winter moon came to rise. The warm months did not last long here in Cornish. Families that were not fortunate enough to own fertile land or have the means to purchase and raise livestock, had to survive by growing what meager crops they could and hunting and foraging in the fields and forest.

The woods and fields that surrounded the forest were a place of vast abundance. The forest was a place of trepidation and fear. The woods held a secret, and the villagers were fearful of the stories that had been shared throughout the ages. It was said that the woods were inhabited by enchanted beings. These Enchantresses could easily lure those that entered to an untimely fate. It was safe to harvest the growth of fruits, vegetables and berries from the fields, but one should not enter the enchanted forest. Tales of sorcery and evil running rampant in the forest were spun by elders in the village of Cornish. Villagers did all they could to avoid having to make a journey into the possessed wooded forest. The villagers also did what they could to support one another, but if a family came upon hard times, they were forced to hunt for winter supplies in the enchanted forest. Not only was the forest haunted and enchanted, but it was widely known that some of the richest resources were deep inside the walls of the enchanted forest. There was also talk of dragons in the forest who did not share the wealth of forest easily.

Being of a stout and rugged frame Master Samuel Elkins knew what he must do to provide for his family. He was a masterful hunter and farmer but his large family, about to increase in size, needed more food and resources than their tiny homestead could produce. Master Elkins had no choice but to hunt in the enchanted forest or his family would surely perish in the moons of winter. Samuel spoke to his wife Elizabeth and told her that he must hunt the forest and forage the fields near the forest if they were going to survive. Elizabeth was fearful and felt there had to be a better way for the family to get through the winter. Elizabeth said that she could sew and clean for other families in return for rations, and she was willing to do all she could to keep Samuel out of the woods. Samuel considered this thought, but once again came to the same conclusion. He must hunt for his family in the forest to help them survive.

Samuel, being a reasonable man, understood that there would not be enough work for Elizabeth in order to procure all the necessary stores for the survival of their family. You see, Samuel had three young daughters and Elizabeth was going to give birth to their fourth child. Their child was due to be born in the second winter month. How could she do enough work to care for their children, and carry a baby to a healthy birth? Samuel so desperately wanted a boy child, and he was not willing to risk the health of Elizabeth and the unborn babe. He knew what he had to do, so he began his preparations.

Samuel knew that it was important that his trip into the forest happen sooner than later because, once the snow began to fly, the woods would become more treacherous by day and night. The stories of enchantresses were a big part of the trepidation, but mother nature was also a mighty force. Samuel did not like keeping secrets from Elizabeth, but he knew that if he did not go, it would mean doom for his entire family. He planned to tell Elizabeth that he must go to town to purchase the few measly supplies that they could afford that he would not be able to get from foraging and hunting. Elizabeth did what she could to sew and clean to help with a few more drappens, the coin of the time, to use for trade. Drappens had the most value amongst the traveling vendors but also worked in the town apothecary and, village mercantile.

Each day that passed Samuel became more anxious about the fright of the many moons of winter. He needed to keep his family safe, fed, and warm. He spent many hours sharpening his hunting knife and making arrows for his bow. These preparations were done in secrecy. Elizabeth believed that Samuel was working in trade with the butcher for meat to take them through the cold long winter months. No such deal had been made. The butcher had his own family to keep fed and warm and had nothing to spare. Only those who brought their own stock to the butcher left with meat, and that was not without a heavy price paid to the butcher. The butcher, being greedy, took a large portion of the meat in return for his work. This was a fact that Samuel kept from Elizabeth.

Samuel told Elizabeth that in a fortnight, he would make the trek into the village. He would take time on the way back to his homestead to forage in the field. Knowing that the field would not be overly abundant due to the lateness of the fall moon, it would take him longer to find what could fill his coffers. This would afford Samuel time and keep Elizabeth from worrying. This was a story that Elizabeth would believe, and he hated the thought of deceiving her.

Samuel Elkins was not a fool. On the contrary, he was ingenious and cunning when it came to the hunt. Despite this fortitude with hunting, Samuel felt that he must go to Pastor Parsons for a blessing of good hunting and safe passage into the realm of the enchanted forest. Pastor Parsons did not bless Samuel, and he stated that if Samuel went into the enchanted forest, he would be forbidden from coming back into the village. The Pastor believed Samuel would be enchanted or cursed if he survived. Although Samuel was disheartened, he knew that he had to enter the forest anyway. There was no other way for his family to survive. He understood this fate.

The cold and frosty morning arrived for Samuel to take his leave. Elizabeth, now heavy with child, packed some of the few remaining supplies for Samuel. There was not much to spare, but she knew that he could not trek to the village and forage the fields in one day. He must have some food to sustain him. She packed him a small bit of cheese and a very little amount of cured beef. This was more than they could spare, but Samuel needed sustenance. He must come back with some stores from the mercantile and fruits and berries to set up from the fields near the forest. Elizabeth did not know what was in store for beloved Samuel on this blustery journey into the unknown.

Samuel, dressed in warm gear, hat, and cloak, took his meager supplies and set off on the only beast of burden the family-owned, a very old mule. It was a slow trip to the fields. The frost was heavy, and Samuel did not want to burden the mule. His survival depended upon the old mule. He began his journey. First, Samuel must venture to the village for what possibly could be the last time. He rode on with only his thoughts. Would he be lured by an enchantress in the forest or would fate allow him to find the resources that could nourish and sustain his loving family? Would he be able to be successful on the hunt? Would spells of ancient beings cross his path? Would mother Nature's cold hands put a strangle on Samuel's journey? Were there dragons who lived in the village? So much was at stake. He had to do everything in his power to keep himself alive in order to save his family on this journey into the unknown realm of the forest.

Before Samuel could begin this inevitable journey into the unknown, he must go through his familiar village, and he was greeted by friends of the family. It seemed as though the late frost served as an invitation for the entire village to procure the final supplies for the winter moons ahead. Everyone was in a high preparation mode.

Once the snow was on the ground it would be nearly impossible to pass with a wagon, horse, or mule for that matter. The hustle and bustle in the village slowed Samuel's work. He would be even later getting to the fields and forest. All of Samuel's friends and neighbors had the same thing on their minds, and that was surviving the long desolate winter. Samuel made his meager purchases, and as he was riding out of the village, Pastor Parsons met him on the road. The Pastor stopped Samuel to ask about his family's needs for the winter. Once again Samuel stated that all was well, and the family was well-equipped for the winter. Pastor Parsons did not question the integrity of Samuel but once again stated his warning. If you are to enter the enchanted forest and live to survive you will be forbidden from entering the town ever again. Samuel bid Pastor Parsons a good day and continued his journey. Once again, left alone with his thoughts, Samuel began to doubt his own ability. Was he too proud a man? Would his pride be the undoing and ultimate demise of his family?

The longer Samuel rode the more confidence he gained. He grew to know that he was doing the right thing. It had to be done for his family. Samuel finally made it to the fields that lay outside the forest. As he predicted the fields did not offer a bounty of fruits or berries. Samuel picked all the fruits and berries he could find, but he knew that he must enter the enchanted forest before sundown. To be in the forest in the dark was very risky. Samuel hobbled his mule and cautiously he made his way into the fringe of the forest. The thicket was too heavy for him to pass through on mule. As he traveled further into the forest the darker it became. The trees were tall and blocked the sun. The thicket was foreboding, but he had to venture forward. Samuel had no other choice. Through the first steps into the tall maple and birch trees, he began to see signs of deer. The prints appeared to lead to a lighter overgrowth area of the forest. Samuel followed the tracks. The longer he followed the tracks, the more he began to believe he could hear the deer speaking to him. The message was getting stronger, “Follow your heart, and you will know what is right.” Samuel was confused because he knew that deer could not speak. Was the forest truly enchanted? Listening to the voices of what he believed to be deer, he focused on the hunt. Samuel did not realize that he was losing sight of his way out of the forest. The doors of the forest seemingly closed in on the loving father and huntsman.

The forest was growing darker as the sun was beginning to set and the moon rose. Samuel was growing frightened. He knew he could not return without meat from his hunt, thus he continued until he could no longer see what was right in front of him. He decided that he must stop and make camp for the night. Samuel lit a small fire and ate a small amount of the rations Elizabeth had packed for him. Once again, Samuel was alone with his thoughts. The light of his fire cast an eerie glow and created shadows that danced from the smaller trees blowing in the slight breeze. There was one single aspen that stood tall among all the other trees. It was a strange sight to be sure. Samuel could think of nothing but taking care of his family. Slowly as the night grew later Samuel began to drift off into an uneasy sleep. Would Samuel dream of enchanted beings or of a successful hunt?

Suddenly, Samuel was awakened with a start. He clearly heard a voice. It was not, however, that of the voice he heard from the deer earlier. This was a much deeper voice. The voice was clear, and it was saying,” I can help you. I can give you all you need for your family to survive the winter moons.” Samuel felt instant relief, but who was talking? The voice said, "Are you ready to meet me?" Samuel was not certain, but he knew he must for the sake of the family. Samuel said, "Please stranger, come forward, so I can see you". The trees began to rustle as a breeze picked up. Samuel quivered with fright, yet he remained steadfast in his desire to meet the stranger. Then the sky became like obsidian along with a hazy thick fog. Samuel thought that he had gone blind. He panicked, and he realized he could not see. Was this a trick? Would he die here in the forest, and would his family perish?

When the blackness cleared there was a very large red eye glowing in the darkness. The glowing eye was very close to Samuel, and this made him so frightened he could not speak or move. Then came the deep rumbling voice he had heard before, saying, "Samuel, I can help you. I will help you if you promise to do one thing for me." Samuel did not know how to answer so he asked, "What can you do for me that will help my family get through the winter moons?". "My name is Balthazar, and I am the most powerful dragon in the many kingdoms of this world. I can make sure you have more than enough meat and provisions for your family. I can travel easily to lands far and wide and follow the seasons for fruits, vegetables, and meats of all kinds in plentiful bounty."

Samuel spoke hesitantly and asked, "What must I do to receive these blessings for my family?" Balthazar answered, "You must bring me your toddler and leave her here with me." Samuel’s thoughts began to race. He knew he could not abandon his youngest child to the dragon. What would become of her? Would the dragon eat her? If he did not abandon her, would all his family perish without abandoning Hannah? Balthazar spoke again, and this time said to Samuel, "I know you desire a son, and your wife is heavy with babe. That baby shall be a son, but if you do not accept my offer, all in your family shall perish except you. You will remain alive in sorrow and sadness all the remaining days of your life. How strong is your love for your family? Will you abandon your youngest to spare the lives of the other family members?" Samuel did not want to answer but in his heart, he knew what must be done. Samuel asked the dragon if he would give him until the morning's dawn to give his answer. Balthazar agreed and left Samuel in silence.

As the dawn broke Samuel awoke in the hope that all that had happened in the night had been a dream. Alas, that was not the case. Balthazar returned promptly and stated, "You must give me your answer now, or I will leave you to your own demise." Samuel may have been a proud man, but he was not foolhardy. He agreed to bring his youngest daughter into the forest and abandon her. Balthazar said, "let it be done, bring her to me by the next dawn". Samuel said, "but I cannot make it home and back in that amount of time." Balthazar stated, "I told you I am the grandest dragon of all, I will make it possible, begone now."

Samuel left on foot heading back to the mule he had left in the field near the forest. Before it felt that any time had passed, not only was he with the mule, but he was home. When he unpacked the mule, the provisions were much heavier than those he had purchased. He knew that these two things meant that the dragon was indeed powerful and true to his word.

That night Elizabeth went into labor. The labor was hard, and Elizabeth was struggling. Samuel needed to fetch the doctor. He gathered his youngest daughter as she was too young to stay alone with the other two children without Elizabeth to care for them. Samuel rode in haste to the doctor's house, and the doctor took off on horseback to the home of Samuel and Elizabeth. Samuel had no choice but to go home via the route to the forest, dawn would be breaking soon. He had a promise that must be upheld. Samuel was extremely worried about Elizabeth and the birth of his new babe that was promised to be a son.

Samuel entered the forest with Hannah. The further he went into the forest, the more heartsick he became knowing that he was going to abandon his beloved daughter. He was not sure he could abandon one so close to his heart. Would he be leaving her alone or would Balthazar be there to receive her? What would her fate be if he left her in the clutches of the dragon?

He was not sure he could find the location where he had met Baltazar, but once again, as if no time had passed, he was in front of the mighty dragon. Hannah did not appear frightened. Quite the opposite, in fact, she was smiling at the dragon. Balthazar said, "Hannah you are the chosen one. You will become my own child. You will lack for nothing and nor will your family." Hannah continued to smile at the dragon, but Samuel was sure Hannah did not understand all that the dragon told her, yet Hannah reached her arms to Balthazar. Balthazar gently gathered the child in his talons. Once safely nestled under his wing Balthazar said to Samuel, "Go now and do not look back. Your family will be safe through all the winter moons, now and in the future. You have made the ultimate sacrifice. Through abandoning your child, you have given me a piece of your heart."

Samuel did as instructed and did not look back. Yet as he made his way back home, he felt he had left a part of his heart behind, and that pain would never heal. Upon his arrival home, Samuel was greeted by his two remaining daughters and the doctor. The doctor told Samuel that although it had been a very hard labor Elizabeth and the baby were both safe and well. He was welcoming a new son into the family. Samuel smiled and thanked the doctor, and he looked upon the babe with pride. Samuel stated, "The babies name shall be Aspen." In the forest where he met the dragon, there was a single aspen tree amongst all the other trees in the forest, only Samuel knew this, but the name was given.

Suddenly, his oldest daughter Sarah asked Samuel where Hannah was. Samuel had thought about this all the way home from the forest, so he had a story at the ready. He told his daughters that there had been an accident on the way back from the doctor's house. The mule lost his footing in the ice and snow and Hannah was tossed from his arms. She perished from the fall, and this was at the edge of the river. He also shared that he went to recover her little body, and she fell through the brittle ice and was lost in the current. There was no way he could reach her. Samuel felt awful for his lie, but he knew he could never tell the truth about Hannah's disappearance. The family was in a state of flux, deep sorrow, sadness and loss for Hannah as well as the excitement surrounding the birth of Aspen. As time passed, the sadness never left Samuel, but it did become more bearable. As promised Samuel and his family did survive quite well throughout the following year. Now, one might think that this is the end of the Elkins family story, but this is not the case. You must know about the fate of Hannah.

Hannah loved Balthazar. You see, Hannah grew up with Balthazar. As he promised, she was raised as a royal dragon heiress. Hannah had been so young when she was abandoned by her father to Balthazar, she knew no other life than that of the dragon. Balthazar gave many gifts to the child and indeed cared for her as his own. Hannah wanted for nothing. She was well fed, dressed, and loved by all. Hannah learned to hunt and live off the land. She learned how to bathe in the rivers and learned what water was safe to drink. She learned all the ways of the dragon. She did everything a dragon could except of course fly and breath fire. She was as fierce and reviled as Balthazar. Balthazar was well known among the other dragons and was held in the highest esteem and by the right of being Balthazar’s daughter Hannah was held in the same high regard. Balthazar told Hannah that all around her would one day be hers. She would rule over all the dragons and have access to all the lands of the dragons, including the one she lived in now. Hannah learned that she was special. Balthazar told her that her fate was sealed by the fact that she was his daughter and by birthright she was royalty. Hannah, being curious, wondered what happened to her mother and wanted to know if her mother looked like her or like Balthazar. Her father explained that Hannah was magical and had no mother. She was a gift that had been given to him by a very special being.

As Hannah grew, she soon realized that she was different from all around her, all others were dragons. Hannah was very happy with Balthazar and knew no other life. She loved Balthazar. He was her father, yet she still wondered why there were no others like her. On the day of her eighth year, Balthazar gave Hannah a special gift. Hannah was presented with a golden saddle. Balthazar explained to Hannah how to secure the saddle to his back just at the base of his neck above his wings. Hannah did as instructed and climbed up onto the beautiful glowing saddle. Slowly, Balthazar rose into the air. Hannah took a large breath and looked at the beauty of the land. She was not afraid as she knew Balthazar would not do her any harm. This was the first flight of her life, and it was spectacular. She saw plush green fields, vast mountains and great waters. It was all extraordinarily beautiful.

Balthazar flew lower to the ground over a village. As she flew, she noticed others who looked like her. She questioned Balthazar as to why there were no others like her where they lived. She expressed a desire to see what others of her kind were like. Balthazar was sad, but how could he deprive Hannah of this desire? He had given her all she desired as she grew and had not withheld anything from her. Slowly, he began to descend over a house. There Hannah saw others who appeared as she did. Balthazar flew closely over one house just outside of the village, and the children who were playing outside screamed. Samuel came running out of the house and saw the dragon.

Samuel knew immediately that this dragon was the very same dragon to whom he had abandoned Hannah. He then noticed a small rider on the mighty dragon's back. Could it be possible that the very rider could be his Hannah, the missing piece of his heart? Samuel shooed the children into the house and walked further into the field. Hannah asked Balthazar to land. Once again Balthazar was not able to resist the desire and request of his child, so he landed gently on the ground. Cautiously, Samuel approached the dragon and spoke, "Is this my Hannah?" Balthazar affirmed that she was the child Samuel had abandoned in the forest. Balthazar also stated, "She is no longer your Hannah, she is my child". Samuel wept. Slowly Hannah climbed down from the back of Balthazar and walked over to Samuel and dried his tears. She reached for Samuel, and he took her in his strong arms.

After witnessing this sight, Balthazar realized that Hannah, though incredibly young when she became his child, was missing a piece of her heart much like Samuel. The love of the small child was infectious and so pure. Balthazar spoke, "Samuel you made a sacrifice greater than my understanding. I could not begin to understand how strong the love of a child could become, until Hannah became a part of my life. She has shown me true wonderous beauty and emotion that I never imagined possible in this world. I would do nothing to harm her and would give her every one of the riches this world has to offer. She has taught me that love of a child matters more than any of the treasures in this world. As you have made the greatest sacrifice a man could give, I am giving you back your child." Samuel did not know how to respond, so he remained silent. When the shock and awe of receiving the greatest gift of all, the missing piece of his heart, wore off, he asked if his family would still be cared for and safe. Balthazar assured him that his family would be well kept as now his heart was leaving a piece behind. Samuel spoke to Balthazar, "You have given me a great gift. My family has been safe and flourished while there has been hardship among the villagers. I have been able to aid those in need with the gifts you have continued to give my family. You have kept your promise and now you are giving me back the gift of my daughter. What must I give you in return?" Balthazar answered, "You must continue to love and care for your family. You are a great man, and I know Hannah will grow into a fine woman with your guidance. When Hannah is grown into adulthood, I would like you to teach her about me as I am going to erase any memory of her time with me. The memories will be mine to keep. When you do share this part of her life with Hannah, please make sure that she knows that she was and will forever be loved more than she could know. For now, Samuel, take Hannah and go back into the house. Your family will not have any memory of the loss of Hannah. It will be as if she was always with you. The gift of your heart and my time spent with Hannah was the greatest love of all and will be cherished for an eternity."

Samuel walked back to the house. Once inside Balthazar flew off and headed toward the forest. He was sad but he also knew that Hannah had to be with those who loved her first. Balthazar held onto his memories and occasionally flew over Samuel and Elizabeth's house, not close enough to be seen, but close enough that he could see Hannah. Balthazar kept his promise to keep Samuel's family well and one day Samuel did tell Hannah about Balthazar. Hannah chose to find Balthazar. She found love in two families, her human family and the love of a grand dragon. Her first ride on her golden, shining saddle was far from her last. She did have to wait until adulthood before she was told of the secret of Balthazar. The moral of this story is that the heart is so strong that even when a piece is missing you can continue to love, and love comes in many forms, even from that of a dragon. A child, once abandoned, teaches a grand dragon how to love. In order to love her, he abandons his heart in order to fulfill her wishes and desires to be with her people.